About Our Church

The origin of our church goes back to the 1950’s, when the late Margaret Ridgway sensed God’s call to preach the gospel to Japanese Canadians. At that time, many Japanese Canadians were forced to moved into the interior of British Columbia because of the war. Miss Ridgway, along with her co-workers, started Canadian Japanese Mission (CJM) to minister to this group of Japanese people. This was the beginning of Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church. In similar fashion, the ministry of CJM travelled east across Canada, resulting in the establishment of Japanese gospel churches in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto.

In 1962, the Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church began a Japanese section to minister and reach out to Japanese speakers in the area. Throughout the history of our church, we have been an evangelical and bible-centred church. Our present focus is on worship, fellowship, discipleship, service and evangelism.

Our church is associated with the Japan Alliance Christ Church (Doumei) in Japan.

On Sundays, we have services in both English and Japanese. Once a month we meet in a combined service. Our Sunday School program is for all ages, and accommodates both languages. Prayer meetings are held on Wednesdays and Saturday. We have a large number of small group activities, which are divided by age and interest.

We warmly welcome people of all ages, and nationalities to our various activities.

Church Staff

Church Staff

福迫徹也（Ted Fukusaku)

主任牧師 (Senior Pastor)

福迫真里(Mari Fukusaku)

副牧師(Assistant Pastor)

トニー&パット シュミット(Tony & Pat Schmidt)

協力宣教師(Associate Ministers)

I first started to believe in Jesus Christ when I was in the U.S for work.That was when I decided to attend the Tokyo Christ Theological College(M.Div). After I graduated from theological college, I started to worked as a paster at Karuizawa Church.I worked at Karuizawa Church for four years.In 2001, I became the pastor for the Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church.

I am also the proud Father of three sons and one daughter.In my spare time I like to play “Go” (Japanese Chess),go for a jog, or read books.

My faith in Jesus Christ began when I participated in the Okutama Bible Camp.After having worked at ‘Kinki Nippon Tourist’ travel agency for 2 years, I enrolled at Tokyo Christ Theological College(M.Div).After graduation, I started to work as a pastor at Karuizawa Church.In 2001, I came to the Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church to be the assistant pastor.

I am the Mother four wonderful children.Also, I like to bake and to be a comedic “Monomane” Impressionist.

Tony and Pat Schmidt, serving as associate pastors at VJGC since 2011 when they retired from Japan where they served as missionaries with OMF International since 1972.

Small Groups of Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church

Mens Group

Gathering and fellowship of men of the church. Have lunch together, worship & praise God together, and learn from bible scriptures.

Ladies Group

Gathering and fellowship of women of the church. Have lunch together, worship & praise God together, and learn from bible scriptures.

Seniors Group

Gathering and fellowship of senior members of the church. Worship & praise together, and learn from bible scriptures.

Barnabas Group

Gathering of men who have small children. Have lunch together, worship & praise God together, and learn from bible scriptures relating to parenting.

Maria’s Group

Gathering of women who have small children. Have lunch together, worship & praise God together, and learn from bible scriptures relating to parenting.

IYG – International Young & adults Group

Gathering of young adults (20~30 year olds) to worship & praise God together. Exchange students, visitors on working holiday visas, university students etc. We play music, organize events, prepare bible study sessions.

Kid’s Club

A small group for the children. We go to the park to play, and in the winter time go ice skating. A fun group for the kids.

Mother-Child Bible Study

A small group for at-home-mothers with small children to learn about the bible. Babysitters are available to look after your child while you study the bible.

ABC Bible Class

Teaching the basics of the teachings of the bible (in Japanese) to new comers and for people who are interested in Christianity.

Gospel Hula Team

Spreading the gospel through dance. Dance along to Hula worship songs in the name of the Lord.

Family Gathering Groups

Gathering in a household, praising and worshiping God, and learning the bible in your own home.

**There are many other small groups available: Sports club, Japanese class etc. For more details, please contact the church.